Solar power is not a new concept. Ever since ancient times, people have used skylights and windows to light their homes, used passive solar collectors such as stone or cement to warm chilly nights, and located rain barrels in sunny areas to heat water for bathing. More recently, technology has produced new and efficient ways to collect, store, and use solar energy to power individual homes and businesses. Solar energy has many benefits. Here are five of the best.
Lower Utility Bills
A solar system can begin lowering your power bills the day it is installed. Even a small system will take a solid bite out of your electric bill, and a properly sized and installed system can provide nearly three quarters of your home’s power. That is free energy that no one can make you pay for. Solar photovoltaic systems can last as long as 30 years or more and typically pay for themselves within 5-10 years if you live in a state that offers rebates or credits for solar power installation. Even if your state does not participate, the federal government has generous programs that help offset the cost of a new solar power system.
Increased Home Value
Solar power is one of a small set of home improvements that can actually raise your home’s value by more than its own cost. Additionally, a solar system will make your home more attractive to potential home buyers, giving you a distinct advantage over other sellers even in a tight housing market. To sweeten the deal even further, most states will not increase your property taxes when you install a solar power system even though your home’s property valuation will almost certainly go up. Check out Legend Solar for more information about solar power in Utah.
Clean, Effort-Free Energy
Solar panels require little to no maintenance because they have no mechanical parts to break down. Once your system is installed, there is not much for you to do but sit back and enjoy the security of knowing that you will have environmentally responsible, quiet, free energy for many years to come.
Independence from the Power Company
For years, you have been at the mercy of the power company’s whims. If they decided to raise rates, you paid more of your hard-earned money. If they took days or weeks to restore power after an outage, you waited patiently for their employees to get around to your neighborhood. With solar power, your electric bill can be reduced to a fraction of what you pay now. Even better, many states now allow you to save the excess energy your system provides during peak hours and use that energy later. A large number of states even allow you to sell your extra power to the power company. These strategies can result in a zero balance on your utility bill month after month.
Sustainability
Solar energy is an incredibly abundant resource. Solar does no damage to the earth or its inhabitants. It is the ultimate in renewable resources. When you choose solar power, you are not just providing a more solid financial future for you and your children, you are also preserving the earth and its limited resources for your children and grandchildren.
Thanks to modern solar technology, you can now harness the sun’s power to an extent that was unimaginable throughout most of history. Installing a solar photovoltaic system is more than just a wise financial decision. It is also an investment in your own future and the future of all humans.

You don’t have to sacrifice convenience or live off the grid to help the environment. Just by switching to environmentally-friendly products, you can make a significant difference. Here are tips to help you make the transition.
Cleaning the Green Way
Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals. The good news is that it is easier than you think to avoid these. A paste of water and baking soda, for example, can be used when you need a slightly abrasive cleaner to clean countertops or filthy pots and pans. White vinegar makes an excellent glass cleaner and it can also be used to dissolve soap scum. If homemade cleaners are not enough, you can find a variety of green cleaners at many grocery stores. Switching from the old cleaners to eco-friendly products is usually a seamless process and you won’t sacrifice a clean home.
Using Non-Toxic Pet Products
Using non-toxic pet products benefits both the environment and your pet. Like other cleaning products, pet hygiene products often contain harmful chemicals that end up in the water supply. Even pet shampoos can contain ingredients that interfere with nature’s delicate balance. By switching your pet’s skin care products to natural ones like Roxy’s Remedies, which contain only environmentally-friendly ingredients, you reduce the negative impact on the environment. Some ways to reduce fleas include vacuuming pet bedding and using vet-approved topical products that are absorbed into the skin instead of sprayed on the coat. Avoid flea foggers, flea carpet sprays and similar items that contain harsh pesticides.
Reducing Single-Use Plastics
Plastic water bottles and other single-use plastic items stick around long after they are thrown away. It isn’t enough to try to recycle these things because the recycling process itself uses energy. A better step to take is to eliminate these items and switch to reusable containers. Use stainless steel water bottles in place of disposable water bottles, and use canvass totes to replace plastic shopping bags. Pack the kids’ sandwiches in hard-sided plastic sandwich holders to avoid disposable plastic sandwich bags.
Lighting Efficiently
Efficient lighting like LED and CFL bulbs help reduce energy usage. However, you can employ other methods in addition to buying energy efficient bulbs for your home. Installing dimmer switches, for example, allows you to adjust lighting according to need and eliminates some energy waste.
Using Energy-Efficient Appliances
Energy consumption increases your carbon footprint. Each time you upgrade to energy-efficient appliances, you reduce your energy consumption. Whenever you buy new appliances, such as air conditioners or washing machines, for your home make sure you choose the energy-efficient option.
As your home becomes more environmentally-friendly, you might also notice side benefits such as lower utility bills. You can also be assured that as you reduce your use of toxic products, you are reducing their impact on your health and not just the environment. Switching to greener products just makes sense.

A good year to work on reducing your toxic gas and carbon dioxide emissions is this year. As a manufacturer, reducing your negative mark on the environment is good for the environment and good for business. You never know how much far your efforts will go if you do not try. Learn about at least five ways that manufacturers can reduce their emissions in 2016.
Use of Energy-Efficient Products
Using energy-efficient products is the easiest way to cut back on emissions. Manufacturers start by listing the appliances that consume the largest amounts of energy, such as a boiler or engine. For every item listed, there is an energy-efficient alternative that exists.
Energy Conservation
Conservation is the use less of a product that consumes a lot of resources. One way that manufacturers conserve energy is to use less of their vehicles. Their employees rely less on vehicles that emit large amounts of toxic gases. They drive less, manufacture fewer products and use fewer factories. To create fewer products, manufacturers rely on recycling and reusing materials that have already been used, such as paper and metal.
Use of Natural Energy
Manufacturers use energy that is derived from natural sources and does not contribute significantly to pollution. This type of energy comes from the sun, the wind and the water. More manufacturers are using solar energy as the technologies become more advanced, such as solar panels. They are working in buildings that are rated according to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards.
Catalytic Reduction Systems
Many manufacturers are using catalytic reduction systems that work with the use of chemistry. The process involves inserting urea into the exhaust gas and reducing the emissions of gases into the air.
Find catalytic reduction technologies being used extensively in cars and ships. These systems are installed on commercial boilers and known to reduce most emissions. Many suppliers, like Nationwide Boiler, have both new and reconditioned efficient boilers available.
Progress Monitoring
There is no point in creating a plan if you do not know the results. All sensible manufacturers keep track of the progress they are doing to save the environment. If they buy one new energy-efficient appliance, they at least check the energy bill to see if there is any difference.
Companies are investing in the future by investing in the environment. Manufacturers are building fewer factories, making fewer products and reducing their emissions by more than half. They know that without the environment there is no source of the products they sell in the stores. There are more than enough ways to start making these investments right away.

The infrastructure of a community has been important since the beginning of time in all civilizations. Ancient builders in the Indus Valley created a system of indoor pipes and covered street channel to funnel away waste water. The ancient Romans perfected a transportation infrastructure. In modern times, the United States has developed an aviation infrastructure allowing for efficient global travel. Let's look at five key infrastructure areas.
Transportation
Communities have to move goods and people from one place to another. Roads play a big role in this endeavor, but road systems must also use bridges and tunnels to get past natural obstacles. In addition to roads, communities use a system of trains and airplanes for transportation. Infrastructure such as airports, runways, train stations and train tracks must be built and maintained.
Solid Waste
Generating trash is part of daily life, but that trash cannot be allowed to pile up lest disease and filth take over. An infrastructure to collect and manage waste is essential in any community. Garbage trucks, recycling plants and landfills all must be acquired and maintained to keep the community running efficiently.
Water and Waste water
Providing clean water to residents and removing used water is an important service. Communities must install sewers, drains and pipes to move water from one location to another. Some areas may find they need systems to contain or maintain the volume in nearby bodies of water. Water transfer systems and dams help to meet this need. Companies such as T. Luckey Sons, Inc. are invaluable in providing repair solutions for projects like this.
Energy
Citizens in all communities use energy to power devices in their homes, businesses and daily lives. Transporting that energy safely is a must. Electricity poles and wires connect to virtually every modern structure that exists. In some of those structures, we also find natural gas pipelines. Each system must be designed and maintained by professionals to ensure safety.
Telecommunications
In our modern era with its use of computers, smart phones and other digital devices having a telecommunications infrastructure is imperative to keep a community running efficiently. Cables and cell phone towers provide a constant ability to remain connected. This ability to exchange information instantly allows communities and their citizens to make decisions on a moment by moment basis.
Clearly, ensuring the smooth operations of a community requires more than just willing citizens and well-meaning government officials. Every community requires multiple infrastructures to operate efficiently and to provide a safe living environment for everyone.

Our homes are expressions of our personalities and anchors of our place in the world. We innately strive to make them beautiful and fitting to our style. Remarkably though, many of us are so focused on cosmetic appearances, that we overlook things that make a home truly enjoyable. True comfort in a home is directly linked to its functionality. Making smart home improvement choices can reward us with more than surface pride but give us a deep sense of contentment.
A Better View
Consider choosing energy-efficient windows instead of single-paned, uninsulated windows. Environment control becomes much easier and cost-effective to maintain, no matter if in cold or warm climates. Since double and triple pane windows also require sturdier frames, designers are able to create larger areas of glass without compromising structural integrity. Outdoor visibility and natural light become major players in day-to-day life. A feeling of openness is achieved, while maintaining consistent, comfortable temperatures and even lessening the need to flip on a light switch. The right windows from Window Planet can make your home more beautiful and eco-friendly.
Standing Strong
Another element that plays a huge role in the aesthetics of a home is our choice in flooring. Because of its warming effect and hypoallergenic nature, wood is very popular. Among the seemingly endless varieties though, bamboo clearly stands above the rest when considering efficiency, durability and style. Because bamboo grows so quickly, up to three feet in a 24-hours, it is merited with being a top eco-friendly building material. It can tolerate a much broader span of environmental differences than most of it counterparts whether they be wood, stone or tile. Each of which is more sensitive to humidity and temperature changes. This adaptability and today's every increasing selection makes bamboo a winner.
Wooly Warm
As wonderful as bamboo flooring may be, there are those who simply prefer the soft and cushiony feeling of carpet. Instead of committing to installing wall-to-wall carpet, try large area rugs. Wool offers the warmest and most eco-friendly production process and is wonderfully sound reducing. It is a particularly good for those living in colder climates because a wool rug may make a room feel warmer.
A Steady Stream
One area that simply cannot be ignored when creating an efficient yet stylish home, is how we get water. Faucets and shower heads are the jewelry of our kitchens and bathroom, but are also the hardest working fixtures in a house. When the flow of water is inconstant or messy, it is not only annoying but also wasteful. Steady more even water steams that use less water can be achieved with low-flow fixtures that have aerator adapters.
The Best Flow
The mention of water usage automatically brings the massive amounts required for toilets to mind. This is one of the major areas that can be made more efficient. One of the easiest ways to do this is by installing a toilet with an eco-flush system. These use less water for liquid waste but allows for larger amounts when needed for solids. They have been mainstream in Europe for years and have become much more readily available with suppliers in the United States.
Making a home both beautiful and efficient has many pay-offs. Not only will it be a joy to live in, but with just a bit of attention and forethought, it can be functionally and economically efficient as well as beautiful. Ultimately, it is well worth the conscious effort for a better more comfortable home.

Two problems the human race faces today are global warming and pollution. To ensure that the Earth remains habitable for people and animals, changes must occur. Thankfully, some people are taking the initiative to encourage a greener future. Below are six such examples.
1. Farmers Starting Wind Farms
In years past, farmers could only produce income by raising livestock and growing crops. Today, however, farmers all across the Midwest have been farming wind. This is done by giving permits to energy companies to install giant wind mills with high tech wind turbines on their land. This profits both the farmers as well as the environment through the production of clean energy.
2. Environmental Groups Cleaning Up Contamination
Pollution can ravage a local ecosystem and make the area unsafe for humans, plants and animals. Thankfully, pollution can also be reversed. One way to learn how to remove contamination and hazardous waste from a site is by taking a course from National Environmental Trainers. They can teach people how to safely remove contaminants from the environment. Taking this training can teach you how to safely make a site inhabitable again after it has been contaminated.
3. The Auto Industry Moving Away from Carbon Fuel
Currently, nearly all of the large automobile manufacturers are investing in research to make completely electric cars the standard of the future. While hybrid vehicles and electric cars are indeed currently available, they have yet to make a real impact on the market. However, with finer tuned technology and better infrastructure, that will soon change.
4. Recycled Steel Framed Houses
Recently, construction companies that build homes have begun moving away from using wood frames. The wood required to build the frame of a house can mean the loss of up to 50 trees. Instead, metal beams created from recycled steel are being used as a replacement. The steel is, of course, much stronger and sturdier as well.
5. Energy Efficient Smart Appliances
Appliances are becoming increasingly more efficient. Part of this is because of the implementation of smart technology that can allow a home owner to control and program appliances via a WiFi connection. They can be programmed to only run during certain parts of the day and to stop when energy consumption benchmarks have been passed.
6. Fisheries Fighting Extinction
In many areas of the world, certain species of fish are quickly reaching the endangered status. The traditional method of catching many species of fish is probably not sustainable. One way some in the food industry are counteracting this is by starting fisheries on land so that the fish in oceans and lakes can be preserved.
To overcome the problems presented by global warming and pollution, everyone in every sector of society needs to make a change. Thankfully, changes that could lead us to a greener future are in the pipeline.

There has been so much advancement in the world of agriculture that the techniques of yesteryear have almost been put to shame. So many of these use the technology that has been advancing at a whirlwind pace. SensorsOne such technology that is available are air and soil sensors. These allow an understanding of the air and soil conditions in a real time setting. Forest, farm, and water conditions would be among the conditions it could tell us as well. Vertical FarmsAnother technology that is being experimented with is the ability to grow vertical farms. These would be farms in skyscrapers or other urban settings, growing on the various levels and up instead of on the ground and out. In this kind of a farm, spacers (IE the little shims that are placed behind something to keep it off a surface) would be useful for keeping the sprinkler systems effective or for keeping a growing table level. Phoenix Specialty uses state-of-the-art technologies and Agriculture Manufacturing process to produce custom components for the industry. In-Vitro MeatWhile this one is being tested and played around with, it has yet to be approved for use in the market: in-vitro meat. This is meat that is essentially grown in a test tube, almost like they show in some science fiction movies. However, the meat is never part of a living animal. The concept might be mainstream and available for public use in the year 2027. It's still in the early stages of experimentation and being perfected. New Strains Of Plants And AnimalsAlongside this concept is the concept of new strains of plants and animals that have been genetically designed to better serve needs. However, this is not going to follow the pattern of GMOs (or genetically modified organisms). These plants and animals would be designed from the ground up. This would be a large advantage due to how much food is not kept intact during the manufacturing process that a lot of modern day food goes through. Smart SystemsSmart systems for home gardens are another technological advancement that has recently taken place. These consist of stakes that are placed in the ground. They are solar powered. The stakes monitor a variety of different things in the garden like rainfall, ground state, plants, air temperature, and even soil temperature. All of the information is sent to the gardener's smart phone, and the updates allow problems to be addressed as soon as possibly feasible. However, there are so many other technologies that have been added to the agricultural world. It all varies, but it is all useful in today's world.

It is important to have an efficient home today. Good efficiency will keep your energy bills low and help the environment by conserving resources. Improving the efficiency of any home is not too difficult. There are six ways to get started: Insulate the Home and Seal GapsStart by improving or replacing the insulation in the home. Put in some modern insulation like loose fill. You can insulate attics and the exterior walls. You also want to go around the home and seal any gaps you find using weather-stripping or caulk. Install and Use Ceiling FansA large heating and air conditioning system can waste a significant amount of energy every year. A more energy-efficient solution is to install and use ceiling fans. These fans can make every room feel more comfortable without using a massive amount of energy while running. They can be used in summer and winter depending on the direction of the blades. Use Occupancy Sensors or Motion Detectors for LightsYour lights use a good percentage of your electricity. Install occupancy sensors or motion detectors in the most common areas of your home and in hallways. These sensors will turn the lights on and off automatically depending on whether someone is in the area. Maintain Your Plumbing and FixturesOld, corroded or damaged plumbing can make your home less efficient by wasting hundreds or thousands of gallons of water every year. This is true even for the smallest leaks. You will want to call a professional to have any bad plumbing in your home fixed, say the experts at C B Lucas Heating & Air Conditioning. This will make your home much more efficient and could lower your water bills. Plant Trees to Block Wind and SunPlant trees near your home to block sun and wind. Place the trees near windows, but far enough away from the home so it doesn't cause damage. The trees will keep the house cooler in the summer by creating shade. Install Storm WindowsIf you do not want to replace your existing windows, then you can install storm windows to make the home more efficient. Storm windows add an extra layer of insulation. They can keep your home feeling comfortable all year long without the added costs. You want to focus on efficiency in every part of your house. Do not ignore the small things like a leaking pipe or malfunctioning appliance. Make changes and repairs whenever you can. An efficient home is more economical, comfortable and environmentally friendly.

Maintaining an eco-friendly home will actually provide a family with a number of great benefits. Along with helping to protect the environment, they will also be cutting down on their energy bills and could even improve the value of their property. If going off the grid with a comprehensive solar panel array isn't an option quite yet, then you may want to consider these six actionable tips to lower your home's carbon footprint. 1. Start With an Energy AuditThis is going to be a difficult process for families that are unsure of exactly what is inefficient around their house. Energy audits are carried out by highly-trained specialists that will thoroughly inspect the home in order to find any problematic areas that the current residents could be unaware of. This may include everything from drafts around doors and windows to a faulty thermostat. Audits are often offered at a discount by the town's electricity provider in order to cut back on energy consumption. 2. Slowly Replace Older Incandescent Light BulbsNo one wants to go through their household and replace every single light bulb they have, but it is not a bad idea to buy high-efficiency bulbs and replace older lights as they begin to go out. Modern compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) cut down on bright glare and can be found in practically every color imaginable. Not only do CFLs cut down on energy consumption, but they often have a lifespan that is three times longer than their incandescent counterparts. 3. Learn the Ideal HVAC SettingsA family may want to enjoy a blast of freezing air whenever they step into their home on a sweltering day, but a few alterations to the thermostat's settings could drastically cut back on energy bills. Every home and area is slightly different, but most households should keep their thermostat at around 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer while people are home and 82 degrees when the house is empty. During the winter, the ideal settings are 68 degrees during the day and 58 degrees at night with a few extra blankets on the bed. 4. Stop “Phantom” Electricity UseDevices throughout a home are often consuming energy even if they don't appear to be on. Everything from phone chargers and coffee makers to laptops and TVs can have a “phantom” draw in which they are pulling small amounts of electricity day and night. One simple way to combat this is to plug these devices into outlets that can be turned on and off with a wall switch. If that is not an option, then you may want to invest in a handful of power strips that can turn off multiple devices at once. 5. Check for Government Tax RebatesAt any time, both the state and federal government may offer a wide variety of rebates when you become more eco-friendly. This often changes by the season, but the most consistent tax rebates are for families that switch old appliances, heaters, and coolers to Energy Star devices. This is also a good time to check for any local waste removal programs to safely dispose of toxic materials such as batteries. 6. Get New Window TreatmentsAn incredible amount of heat can pass through older windows, and this means a colder house in the winter and warmer house in the summer. Modern window treatments utilize multiple layers of protection in order to provide more insulation. High-efficiency treatments often include a window film, insulated drapes, and recycled materials in order to be as eco-friendly as possible. You can help your home save money by investing in plantation shutters. Not only are they energy-efficient, but they look great in the home as well. Becoming energy efficient does not necessarily mean that your home needs new and expensive products. Instead, it is smaller changes made over time that will often make the biggest difference.

Global warming is becoming a very serious concern, yet all too many continue with their daily routines without considering ways they can help reduce energy usage. It takes the effort of everyone in order to make a significant difference to preserve our planet for future generations. If you see the present dangers and want to take steps toward fixing the problem, there are five easy ways to reduce energy costs in your home.
1. The Power of the Plug
We have many electronics and appliances that we leave plugged in when not in use. Items such as your television or toaster, for example, are ones we don't consider unplugging. What many fail to realize, however, is that they are still consuming energy. Although the amounts are minimal, they still add up over time. If you are going to be out of the home for an extended period of time, go ahead and pull the plug on the things that won't be in use.
2. In Regards to Your Dishes
If you use a dishwasher, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your usage and overall cost. For starters, take a look at your settings. If you are using the cycle that includes drying, instead allow yours to air-dry naturally. By doing this, you can eliminate a stunning 20 percent usage on the unit. You can also wait until the dishwasher is completely full before starting a new cycle. Take the time to teach your children and other family members how to efficiently load the dishwasher to minimize washing sessions.
3. Your Bulbs
We enjoy a well lit room to boost productivity and allow us to see what we're doing. However, if you are still using incandescent bulbs, you are losing with every electric bill you pay. Compact fluorescent bulbs do cost a little more initially, but they are certainly worth the investment. The actual amount saved varies depending on the size of your home, but, to put this into perspective, if you replaced 15 bulbs in your home, you could expect an approximate savings of $50 per year.
4. Don't Forget Your Filters
It can be easy to forget your hvac system when considering how to save energy. While we understand the benefit of buying a more efficient unit, you may not have the money to invest in one. One thing you can make a habit of doing on a regular basis is replacing your filters. When your filter becomes packed, your hvac unit has to work much harder to ensure proper temperature control. A clean, fresh filter allows your unit to "breathe" easier while also reducing pollutants in your home.
5. Managing Your Thermostats
There are likely certain hours of the day when nobody is home. During this time, you don't need to overuse your heater, but, you also don't want to come home to a cold house. You can now install thermostats that can be controlled online. You have the power anywhere with Internet. Many even have setting you can manage to have the house begin to warm up a set amount of time before you get home to ensure your comfort while keeping your bills low. Take a look at NorthStar Alarm reviews to see how your home can benefit from a smart system that allows you to remotely control power, heat and cooling.
When it comes to worldwide pollution concerns, it can be easy to find your own contribution as minimal. However, with a current population of over seven billion, if everyone would take the time to implement just some of these tips, it would make a tremendous difference. When you take proactive measures to save energy in your home, you can inspire those around you to do the same.

Whether you are just environmentally conscious, or you are just someone who is on a tight budget and hates wasting materials, it's common knowledge that recycling is very important. Fortunately, there are dozens of things you can recycle. However, there are several things that you can re-use that most people aren't aware of. Here are just a few things you may not have known you can recycle:
Athletic Shoes
If you have a pair of shoes that are too beat up to give away to charity or use anymore, do not throw them away. Companies like Nike will happily take in old shoes and recycle them, using them to make sports surfaces all over the country.
Electronics
If you're like most people, you upgrade your technology from time to time, though you're left with outdated items. Computers contain several harmful chemicals, so most people don't know you can recycle them. However, most major computer factories will take used parts and re-process them. GreenDisk will alos take your unwanted electronics and use them to make new gadgets.
Metal
Over time, people can gather scrap metal in their garage from auto updates and home remodels. Copper, brass, stainless steel and aluminum can all be recycled by companies that will buy it from you, such as Federal Metals Inc.
Mattresses
Although mattresses are often refused by charities if they are in too poor condition, many people will gladly take them off your hands. Through programs like Freecylce Network, you can find someone to take that old mattress off your hands.
Wire Clothes Hangers
After numerous visits to the dry cleaners and countless visits to the clothes outlets, chances are that you have an excess of hangers laying around. Fortunately, most of the places that you got them from in the first place are more than willing to take them back, as it saves them money.
Dirty Glass
You don't have to have clean glass to recycle it. Would companies really accept a sticky jelly jar? Fortunately, yes. They will take it an and sanitize it before reusing the jar. Carpets
Most people don't think twice about throwing their old carpets away. However, many carpet manufacturers have recycling programs, so you can just give yours over to the company that you bought it from and see if they will take it. If not, organizations like Carpet America Recovery Effort can help you find someone who will.
There are definitely some recyclable items that will surprise you. From dirty glass to old shoes, they can be reused.

Despite the numerous benefits for the environment, many people simply don’t recycle. However, recycling is a lot easier than many first assume. Below are six easy ways to recycle and help the environment.
1. Make a Compost Heap
Food waste is one thing that often gets dumped into the trash. However, you can actually re purpose this garbage. Create a compost heap in your backyard near your garden. Use multiple layers and add non-food materials like grass clippings and leaves. After several weeks of decomposition, this compost can be used to add rich nutrients to your soil.
2. Purchase Rechargeable Batteries
Batteries are one product that can definitely harm the environment after being disposed. While you can recycle your batteries, you can also lessen the need for purchasing new ones by investing in rechargeable batteries.
3. Bring Your Own Shopping Bag
Many stores now sell reusable shopping bags made out of sturdy fabric. Purchase these and bring them with you on your trips to the grocery story. The alternative of course is paper and plastic. Paper and plastic grocery bags are one of the most significant sources of waste in the United States.
4. Recycling Old Automobiles
Over the course of a person’s lifetime, they are likely to amass a number of vehicles. It’s a good idea to trade in your old car when purchasing a new one. However, some cars or trucks may be in such bad shape that they are of no value to car dealerships. Still, these cars have plenty of material such as metal, rubber and electronics that can be recycled if donated or sold the proper recycler.
5. Purchase Recycled Paper
If you have to print off documents for work or school, switch to recycled paper. When that paper becomes trash, make sure to recycle it again. Also consider switching to online news websites to lessen your dependence on printed newspapers.
6. Learn What Can and Can’t Be Recycled
Unfortunately, certain items cannot be recycled. For example, aerosols such as empty spray paint cans will not be accepted by most recycling centers. You can use this knowledge when choosing what items to purchase instead. For one, you could choose paint that comes in a non-aerosol aluminum bucket that can be recycled.
Recycling is not a passive activity. You must be constantly considering what items you can purchase that are recyclable and how to recycle other items you already own. The benefit for the environment is always worth the effort. Informational credit to General Recycling Industries Ltd.

Giving back to the planet and your wallet by building a green home? Check out this series of tips custom designed to help green home builders become as energy-efficient as possible. With smart planning and a commitment to a green way of life, you can build a dream house made to be resilient and sustainable far into the future.
Your Green Exterior
A properly engineered exterior shell for your home is the first line of defense against energy waste. Consider using aluminum siding for your home’s exterior, suggest the professionals at Marsh Building Products. It is recyclable, resists wear and tear from weather, and it is built to last. This is one resilient and sustainable material. In addition, and perhaps most important of all, aluminum siding provides an excellent sealant to prevent heat loss in the winter, and air loss in the summer.
Your Green Interior
Inside, you will want to stock your kitchen with energy-efficient appliances. The market is full of an array of these appliances so your search should be easy and fun. To ensure your water usage is efficient, therefore green, a professional should certify your plumbing. Pay special attention to your your hot water system. Hot water systems can make or break your home’s energy usage. Of course, eradicating any leaks keeps your home’s energy consumption green too.
In-Between Your Home And Nature
Even if your aluminum siding is perfectly installed, all of the effort is wasted without adequate windows and insulation. Think about installing wood frames for your windows. They are not only long lasting, their quality is superior and they work well at stopping air flow between the outside and inside. In addition to proper framing, the seal around your frames is important too. Eliminate leaks, and you will stop a huge chunk of energy loss. Glass can be chosen according to nature’s demands. Some window glass is better at preventing harsh sunlight, while other glass is better suited for extreme cold. Carefully thought out ratings for windows are available to guide builders towards the right material.
Building a green home is one of the most rewarding, but challenging, undertakings for a new homeowner today. It is a choice which signals a commitment to the planet, and society. This choice is not totally selfless, of course, because it also comes with a great prize: tremendous savings on energy costs over the years.